Historical Events in Church Annals for December 5th:

532 A.D.

Death of Saint Sabas, abbot who lived to the ripe old age of 93 who ministered to the peasants and royalty, in particular the Byzantine emperor. But Sabas always showed his allegiance to one King only - Jesus Christ.

1301 A.D.

Incensed by King Philip IV of France, Pope Boniface VIII issues his decree Ausculta fili in which he condemns the violation of the Church's freedom and withdraws the exemptions earlier granted as he summons the French higher clergy to Rome. It would be the precursor of his landmark Papal Bull Unam sanctam a year later which would have wide-ranging repercussions for centuries to come.

1492 A.D.

Christopher Columbus discovers Hispaniola, establish the faith in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

1590 A.D.

Cardinal Niccolo Sfondrati is chosen the 229th successor of Peter and chooses the title Pope Gregory XIV. This Cremona-born pontiff, an upright and ascetical man, would confirm the right of sanctuary in embassasies accredited with the Holy See. He would also excommunicate Henry IV, monarch of France and be swindled and cheated by dishonest counselors within the curia.